DnD 5e: Brightvale Chronicles

[ShadowFox89]

 Brightvale is a rather decently sized trading town, located at the mouth of a river, between two valleys. Brightvale's harbor is busy year round, the temperate climate keeping the waters from getting too cold. It's proximity to the three major kingdoms of Byrn'dyr, Cyrene, and Psychriae (Elvish, Human, and Dwarven respectively) means that it has been fought over for hundreds of years. At the far end of the valley lays a massive wall, a gate of steel and stone keeping those who would threaten the peaceful valley out.

But that same wall and the natural defenses are also what keeps Brightvale's dark secrets hidden away. Cults, strange creatures lurking in the valley's caves, and all manner of the strange and foul have begun appearing around the harbor town. Whether by divine providence or by chance, heroes have come to Brightvale just when it needs them most.


So! Brightvale is going to be a game for 3-5 level 7 characters. For stats, 28 point buy, average hitpoints with maximum at first, and any non-magical equipment you can think of wanting, you can get. Just be reasonable and don't take a hundred followers armed with siege equipment. You will also be allowed one magic item of uncommon quality, though you should ask for anything unusual (so +1 to an item, go ahead, anything else ask). For sources, anything outside of the player's handbook ask, the Eberron Unearthed Arcana is allowed (shifters, warforged, and changelings are common races).

This will not be a first come first serve game, I'm going to look for a balanced party. Please include a character name, class, race, and some sort of background and description. The world is fairly open to describe as it will help. I'm still working on the setting, but the races roughly match up to ancient/medieval cultures:
Dwarves- Greek
Elves- Nordic
Shifters/werecreatures- Celtic
Haflings- Aztec
Orcs- Egyptian
Humans- Roman

Bad End- What is a Bad End? It is an alternative to a character death. If you opt out of the Bad End, then when your character dies, they simply die. They can be resurrected later if you can find a powerful enough mage, but they're dead. If you opt in for the Bad End, then when your character would die, they black out instead. Waking up in a dungeon or cell or someplace, they will be left to the mercy (or lack of) of whatever knocked them out in the first place and have to try and make it back to the party (and if they die again, repeat the bad end process). The party can attempt to reach them as well, though this could result in things going swiftly downhill.

[Lyku]

I'd like to be a player.

[DomJoe]

Y'know, I've been itching to try out a few character concepts for 5e... I'd really like to have a bash at this.

Aztec Halflings though, that sounds really interesting... and I don't usually say that about Halflings.

[Lyku]

Human Fighter... ex military.

[Chulanowa]

Haflings- Aztec

Is it weird that I actually have multiple images that fit this?

[Muse]

Dwarf cleric okay?'

[persephone325]

This looks interesting.

I'm a 5e noob. I've only ever played Pathfinder. This is on the forums, right? What's the posting rate you expect?

[DomJoe]

I'm likely to make a Human Paladin/Warlock. This aught to be fun. Sheet should come in tonight, backstory and character details may come later depending on inspiration.

[Premier]

I'd be up for a Shifter Barbarian. Sassy Celtic Women are pretty great!

[ShadowFox89]

 Updated the first post with the Bad End rule. I'll be updating it tomorrow with a proper RTJ format'd sheet to be filled out.

[DomJoe]

Is content from Elemental Evil allowed? I almost have my sheet down pact, I just need to set up my inventory and work out my magic item (which make take some finagling).

[ShadowFox89]

 Content from the free pdf of Elemental Evil is allowed, yes. I'll probably add the races in somewhere at some point (Mongolian Goliaths riding giant horses maybe?).

[Lockepick]

Hello! I'd love to play if you've still got room! Leaning towards a Drow or Half-Elf Bard. Think I'm going more Half-Elf now...

[DomJoe]

Character Sheet in progress (mostly backstory) It appears I might have misunderstood what was accepted. Is all the Unearthed Arcana stuff allowed (or at least stuff from Underdark)?

[Nanachan]

The Siren of Troska
Human Female
Sorceress

Cyrene sailors tells a tale about an island where a creature known as the Siren of Troska lives. The creature is claimed to be beautiful beyond belief and many great heroes have seeked her out, either for help or to claim her as theirs. Many came for her, few returned, those who did tells story of a woman of limitless carnal desires.

In truth, The Siren of Troska was a mortal woman, exiled to the island of Troska as a child due to her manifestation of sorcerous powers. There, she used her newfound powers to survive. She met an old blind shepherd living alone in the island who cared for her during those years. She loved the blind shepherd but time would not be denied its prize and years later, the old man died, leaving her alone once more. This was when adventure found her. A small band of pirate landed on the island, seeking refuge. They found her herding the lambs left by her adopted father and decided to claim both livestock and maiden. The Siren, in a moment of anger, unleashed her powers, long kept in check on the raiders, burning them to ash (burning hand). Some escaped, to report to their captain, who decided to hunt the woman down. Many nights passed and the captain instead returned to his ship, butchering a crewmember in their sleep until they had to put him down. The Siren had driven him insane (Suggestion)

Soon, stories began to spread of the Siren and great warriors seeked her out, but instead of a monstrous hag, they found a lovely and charming women who took them to bed and pleasured them in ways they never thought possible. The Siren never attacks unless her guests initiated the hostility, but when her ire is raised, her fury is a terror to behold.

Siren, as she is called, adores heroic men and women, lusts after them, and would lend her aid to them before returning to her island. One day, a dream came to her, of a great hero and lover she once met. This man, Castorus, was dying, in a far away land called Brightvale. She also sees that both the forces of evil and heroism gathers in the land, something is about to happen. Once again, she left her island to find the man she once calls friend and lover and to see for herself the evil in her dreams. (I don't think there's a spell that simulates this, so we can just say the dream is given to her by some other forces)

Short term goal
-Find Castorus
-Aid heroic men and women in their quest (and pleasure them when the chance is presented)

Long term goal
-Find out what is happening in the region

[Nanachan]

Ooh, I like that picture of Servius, perhaps we can say that he was one of the heroes that seeked out and bedded Siren?

[ShadowFox89]

I should note, I have a preference for running games with female characters......

[Lockepick]

I was intending to play a female -- but if you're not interested in male players with female characters -- let me know! Wouldn't want to plan something out to be shot down on those grounds.

[ShadowFox89]

I'm fine with males playing females and vice versa, it's just that female characters give me more room to play with so to speak.... much more to be done with them.

[DomJoe]

It appears I might have misunderstood what was accepted. Is all the Unearthed Arcana stuff allowed (or at least stuff from Underdark)?

Still could use an answer to this. As for my character, I could easily change them to a female if that really makes it better, it shouldn't change them too much as a result.

[schnookums]

Hmm, very tempted...I'm in a lot of games but this looks like a lot of fun

[ShadowFox89]

 Underdark UA looks fine for now.

[AndyZ]

Interested.  I'll have to read up on the Eberron options.

[Zaer Darkwail]

I'm fine with males playing females and vice versa, it's just that female characters give me more room to play with so to speak.... much more to be done with them.

You can get things done to male chars too you know ;). Anycase voicing interest, need take bit time to generate the char though. So far leaning towards a figther/champion. Or cleric with Love domain.

[DomJoe]

Servia's backstory is complete, I will be contacting Shadow shortly to discuss her magical item.

[AndyZ]

Lyku, what kind of fighter are you going for, and would you object to another?

I'm thinking Warforged made by Dwarves with a heavy Hephaestus tint, either Battle Master or Eldritch Knight.

[Lyku]

I have a female cleric concept I can dust off if you want to grab fighter.  I'll get her info up soon enough.

[Chulanowa]

I should note, I have a preference for running games with female characters......

On that topic, just wanna ask - what of futanari or trans characters?

[Phaia]

Character Name: Aurelia Flavius 'Goldie'
Class: Eldritch Knight [6]/Warlock [1]
Race: Human
Gender: Female
Age: 26 [almost]
Background: -Urchin-


Goldie grew up in the second largest city of the Cyrene Empire, Four Hills City. She barely knew her mother, a street whore and has no idea whom her father was. Growing up was a challenge just to survive. She grew to be quick and agile and smart enough to stay steps ahead of the theif's guild and any local constables. Yet by the time she was 16 she was no longer a virgin in any sense of the matter and had run afoul of various guilds till one day things changed.


She was called Goldie for her bright yellow gold hair, as far as she knew she had no other name, and she was gasping for air as she ran. Her feet drove her toward one of the open merchant areas near the East gate. She hoped she could lose the jerks from the Thief's Guild somewhere around the bustling stalls and tents. They were upset that she never paid 'taxes' to them nor would spread her thighs for them so this day they had decided to teach her a far far harsher lesson then any before and she would be lucky if she lost just a hand. Glancing over her shoulder she could see half a dozen of them spreading out between the various merchants. maybe it was luck or fate of just some sense she had but her feet sped her toward a tent with 2 legion guards, in full gleaming breastplates and capes with spears, standing on either side of the closed tent flap.Ducking through the opening she skidded to a stop and twisted to glance back through the parted opening as she saw the guilders gathering near by. Then she nearly jumped as a strong voice from the dimness behind her seemed to almost growl, "I gather you are here to sign with the legion but you do look a bit young."


Many things changed for her that day. Lying about her age she joined the 10th Cyrenian Legion. There she gained a real by the gods name learned to fight and how to read better, she learned the trade of war and found a home and in many ways her self. She used the skills learned on the street to become one of the best scouts for her legion slowly climbing in rank. After 7 years she finally left. The desire to see the world had grown in her and though she now was a junior officer and a citizen and was gifted a plot of land in a far corner of the Empire, something drove her to explore more and learn more. Magic came to her and she began selling her sword to merchants and a few freelance units it was one of those just 18 months ago that changed her again.


Aurelia knew she was in trouble bad already she had used her major magic and all she had left was her cantrip. Her swords were bloody and still the goblins charged. They had came to this cavern system on the rumors of a hidden temple and lots of wealth and all they had found so far was endless ranks of goblins. She lead the way now as what was left of the party fled back toward the surface. Turning a corner and she felt a rumble and heard shouts as suddenly the floor gave way under her feet. Falling, tumbling off stone, she fell to land hard surrounded by dust and debris. Finally she groaned as she moved to stand swaying. Pulling a candle from her pack she puffed it alight with a simple spell and her eyes widen. Somehow she how found the very thing they had come here for...a gleaming statue of 'something' was there and as she stared it seemed to shift and flow. Suddenly she felt her mind on fire as she sank to her knees and screamed...


Her wandering heart had brought her this town, Brightview, and she would stay a while and see how she could help out or what she could find after all it was only a few days before she would celebrate her 26th birthday and she would like to at least have a good meal and a hot bath...and maybe peach pie would be nice.


I will work up the character sheet as needed per Shadowfox.

Phaia

[Premier]

Name: Mabli Teague
Race: Shifter
Class: Barbarian 7 (Totem Warrior)
Background: Sailor
Gender: Female
Age: 28
Backstory: They say what doesn't kill you makes you stronger and Mabli's getting pretty sick of people saying it. Mabli's old tribe was a messy mix of different races who couldn't hack it in a warrior tribe. A bunch of fishermen and peaceful sea faring traders and Mabli had barely gotten old enough to talk before realizing that her heart wasn't going to be in it. They were getting by but gutting fish for the rest of her life seemed like a right miserable time, she talked of being heroes and taking riches instead of hoping to find them in fish bellies. The crew knew a troublemaker when they saw one and it wasn't long before the Captain was bringing out the lash to shut up the mouthy beast girl, but the first taste of leather had her pulling at the ropes tying to the mast in fury and when they broke she was in the mood to bite.

It wasn't a fight she'd win she knew that and having scarred the captain with a rather wicked gnaw to the face she wasn't going to be shown mercy either. A tribe of old men and cowardly warriors weren't able to stop the wild cat easily, but when the heat of anger started to drain from her she knew they were going to skin her for what she'd done and numbers were very much not on her side, so she took her chances with the sharks instead. It turns out she had a way with animals, in that if you punch a shark on the nose hard enough it might be too shocked to even notice you grabbing it for a ride. Wet, half drowned and a bad taste in her mouth from having bitten both a rather sour captain and an incredibly pissed off shark, by the time Mabli got to shore she'd pretty much had it with sailing.

It didn't stick, with no tribe no one in the land trusted her and so she was left to make a living signing up for the bloody stupid sea trip enterprises that usually ended up with everyone dead of hunger, thirst, pirates or if you're particularly lucky a horrible monster instead. She got pretty good at surviving all of those things and gotten a reputation as someone who'd either see your trip through hell, or arrive back at shore alone with a boat washed with blood and the manic smile of someone who had a boat to sell now and it was going awfully cheap.

Mabli's still up for hire from anyone with a scheme mad enough that they'd consider paying her, or at least spin a good enough story about a fantastic reward at the end. She's not in it for the money, she's in it for the biting.

[ShadowFox89]

 I won't be doing much checking until Monday at the earliest.

[Phaia]

I should have  asked before I posted anything. Shadow are you using the varient human option? Feats?

Phaia

[Nanachan]

So are we still going for an all girl group? If so I think I might drop out, I prefer a balance

[Lockepick]

I haven't posted anything because I was under the impression that there was going to be a specific format/template to follow, but I haven't seen it posted yet.

[eternaldarkness]

So are we still going for an all girl group? If so I think I might drop out, I prefer a balance

I'm wondering this myself. I can play and enjoy playing female characters, but I vastly prefer playing male ones.

[ShadowFox89]

Male characters are still fine. Again, will post monday.

[Zaer Darkwail]

I should have  asked before I posted anything. Shadow are you using the varient human option? Feats?

Phaia

I think variant human is allowed.

[ShadowFox89]

 Yes to feats, no to variant human.

[eternaldarkness]

Yes to feats, no to variant human.

Oh damn. Well, half-elf it is, then.

[Phaia]

well as a fighter type I have 2 ability score improvements and now have to decide on if I prefer a 20 dex or an 18 and a feat and drop the warlock dip [wanted warlock for the 'Hex' spell very very useful for a duel weapon fighter type]

Phaia

[Premier]

Mostly did up my sheet!

My random trinket roll was a pirate flag and that's just too good to pass up for a Sailor who isn't a pirate.

[DomJoe]

Welp, no to Variant Human kinda messed my day up... I sure don't want to use a plain human, so I might have to rethink backstory...

[AndyZ]

Seems like we have enough tanks at the moment, so I'm working on a male human druid.

[Zaer Darkwail]

Name: Iorthir Icesong the Half-Born
Race: Half-Elf
Class: Champion 7
Gender: Male
Age: 25
Backstory:

Wall of text warning

Iorthir was born twenty five years ago to a elven warrioress Elestra Icesong, Elestra had been raped by human soldiers whom she had fought in battle in border dispute. She had been captured and raped over and over again but she remained unbroken, then she was rescued by her comrades from slave camp and brought to north but she was deeply in pregnancy and there was no way safely stop the pregnancy so she had to carry through it. However her harsh treatment along with pregancy made her body weak and she caught sickness which weakened her body further with fever and she died while giving birth to Iorthir.

Now, Elestra's family saw the half-breed nothing more than disgusting reminder of Elestra's treatment and not part of their tribe. So following customs of their people how they treat infants which are born with defects is just carry child into wilds and placed there to die during the winter and devoured by whatever happens come across the newborn child. However quirk of fate pack of wolves moved into area and heard cries of newborn baby, in the pack there was female wolf which had lost all pups recently on disease which had infested on their earlier den and mother instincts kicked in and the female wolf then started take care of the half-elf baby and nurse it.

Ten years later a local aged elf ranger Jalik 'Strider' Frostbranch heard rumors about a 'wolfman' in the woods, spotted by some local herders running with pack of wolves. Suspecting a werewolf Jalik started track the wolf pack and seek slay the werewolf before further trouble arises from such. However he was surprised as he tracked the pack and got closer look on the wolfman to see it was a half-elf child....living and communing with wolves like one pack members and hunting alongside with them! Jalik had to make hard decision and decided he has to capture the wolfman, as a half-elf child's natural place is not in the wolfpack. Albeit it's weird miracle itself but he knows this is not natural as child was different species than the wolves around it.

So, Jalik hunted the child but now different purpose, he manages lure child onto trap after a day and then drag child on his cabin and start a very long process taming the child. He himself dislike the term but that very much was it; as child was feral and completely like a wolf. So it took good two years of patience and daily interaction before child was anyway presentable shape to talk, use tools, wear clothes and understand most concepts like other humanoids do than animals. Jalik named child as Iorthir, which is for elven 'wolf born'. However he also asked around had anyone lost half-elven children around the community and so far none came up.....expect until he came across Icesong tribe who told one their own had given birth of one but they had thrown the child into forest....which to Jalik was monstrous deed for innocent child but tribe was adamant on their judgement. Also tribe elders were shocked to learn the child which they had thought dead long gone along with mother had actually survived!

This caused uproar especially amongst Eleste's close family, especially on her brother who swore to kill the bastard but elders forbid it; as laws are clear if child survived on it's own without aid of the tribe in the woods (even if taken care by wolves), the child is considered part of the tribe. So Jalik introduced Iorthir to his relatives as adoptive parent....and overall things did not go very well at all. As Iorthir was bullied, mistreated and called 'half-born' daily basis. Iorthir was unhappy and wanted live with Jalik than with his people (or back in wolf pack). However Jalik was firm in keeping Iorthir on the tribe where he truly belonged but he promised visit Iorthir regularly to check up on him.

Thanks being bullied Iorthir made no friends from the tribe, only elders were neutral but even they viewed him as 'lesser' than pureblood members of the tribe. So not much was expected from him. Iorthir listened and heard about tribal warriors and he sought mentor for himself but all potential candidates laughed on him and dismissed him. However warriors gained recogniction in the culture despite what their race or origin were, naturally tribe's own warriors were highly praised but they gave praises for select few non-elven warriors as well and given honorifics.....so Iorthir saw becoming a warrior only way to gain acceptance!

So, without mentor he started to train and work hard, just himself. He stole wooden toy sword and started hammer in the forest, recall how he had hunt with the pack and started adopt their tactics and methods for his movements and attacks. This lasted for several years until he reached age of seventeen, a age where he could undertake rites of adulthood and considered as adult by tribes standards. However his request was denied, as he had no parents then only his closest male relative, his uncle, would be able vouch for him to get approval. But as uncle still hated the half-breed, hated what humans had done to his precious sister, he spitefully denied Iorthir no chance to get recognized adult and planned him always considered as a child. A worthless child at that.

This angered Iorthir and he ran off, stealing armor and weapons from tribe's armory he then set out from the tribe and started travel in the world. To prove he is something worth to talk about and recognized fully as adult by tribe's standards! Since then he has recklesly ran into conflicts as a hired sword, learning along way from more experienced warriors the tricks of the trade, short brush up and update his skills. He met Jalik somepoint and Jalik saw Iorthir is trying find place in the tribe by traveling the world, so as gift for Iorthir he gave one precious elven cloaks to help Iorthir in his travels and he considers it precious gift from Jalik to him.

He has traveled outside elven lands and fought in lands of dwarves and orcs as hired sword and started build quite a personal fame for himself and he is quite familiar with many places now, world traveler who had seen and witnessed many things and grown wiser over the years. But still at heart he yearns for more glory and fame and so much glory and fame that his deeds will be singed at even his homeland tribal gatherings as grand deeds....deeds which not even Icesong tribe elders cannot ignore nor his spiteful uncle. So he can someday return and make second request to undergo the adulthood rites and truly become part of the tribe's male adults and considered full fledged member of the tribe.

[Phaia]

we have a possible 2 fighters and a barbarian. I can easily go with my second idea of a rogue/arcane trickster. We do not seem to have a  rogue yet though Aurelia has some rogue skills!

Phaia

[DomJoe]

Yeah, having to re-think my character over and over again is beginning to take its toll. I'm afraid I'll have to drop out of this one.

[Chulanowa]

The race / culture matching is a little... weird. i mean, roman humans are easy as all hell to find. But... egyptian orcs? greek dwarves? Ah well, I'll figure something out  ;D

[Zaer Darkwail]

You mean pics wise?

Egyptian orcs

= Basically look for brown orcs or those which look like desert orcs. Facial paintings are done by nobility or egyptian tribes mark their alliances and such. Armor/weapon wise it's hard to find orc with a khopesh but then again egyptian orcs may still prefer axes and other weapons. Just focus on light clothing and light armor (egyptians were never in favor for heavy full plate armors, breastplates perhaps).

Greek dwarves

= With Greek focus again on shiny/light armoring as greek warriors were more poets/inventors, there was really only one famous greek subgroup which embraced warrior culture and those were the spartans (big round shields, spears and harsh training and light armor). As greek is warm climate their clothing is light than fur lined or such. Also elaborate braided hair/beards may work as well.

[AndyZ]

Speaking purely for myself, I would imagine orcs to be either Aztec or Norse.  Shadow gets the say, though.

I'm not really sure what I'm going to play.  Seems like we have enough tanks, and there's too many sexy ladies not to go either male or intersex, but I'm not sure if intersex is allowed.

[Premier]

I always assumed the culture was more the attitude than the aesthetic. Though of course stealing some of the Aesthetic is fun.

Dwarven Greek - Powerful City States. Each Dwarven Hold has their own thing they excel at, be it invention, trading or military rule. Deeply religious.
Nordic Elves - Warrior Culture. Dying in battle is the only true death. Gods match nature and the world around them. Very aggressive raiding culture.
Celtic Shifters/werecreatures - Tribal culture, who consult with their tribal chiefs/kings in time of crisis. Three Tier Society with Warrior Aristocrats > Poets and Bards > Everyone Else
Aztec Halflings - Mandatory Education. Similar to Roman, except they have an Emperor unlike the Romans disdain for Emperors.
Egyptian Orcs- Leaders are seen as literal walking gods. Reluctant to leave their lands unless provoked.
Roman Human - Nobles are Military Leaders and Diplomats (Often a problem for them). Highly regimented culture. Very aggressively expansionist. Democracy for the Noble Class, with a fear of anyone getting enough power to become a king.

But I could be wrong!

[ShadowFox89]

 Attitude is indeed the idea. City-states that have a powerful economy, tend to fight each other, but invade them and they will fuck you up. Warrior culture that prizes honor and generally enjoying life. etc etc.

I will be working on an actual setting once I have time, but that won't be for at least a few days.

[AndyZ]

Arx - Changeling Bard of Lore

Whether Arx is male or female isn't commonly known, and he changes genders so often that most people just refer to her as whatever she is at the time.  All of his forms, however, are stunningly attractive except in the few cases where it's necessary to become hideous.

The preferred method of performance for Arx is storytelling, taking on the many different appearances of the actors and tumbling about to put on a one-person show with many different roles.  When illusions are added in to complete the gaps, it can be quite a sight to behold.

Having an eye for the ladies, it's not uncommon for him to find out exactly what they want in a partner and taking a form to match, but never with an eye to deliberately deceive.  (Okay, rarely...)  The stereotype of changelings is that they hide in every corner and can never be trusted, but to Arx, changing forms comes as easily as changing outfits.



Strength 10 Dexterity 14 Constitution 12 Intelligence 10 Wisdom 12 Charisma 18

Acrobatics +5, Animal Handling +2, Arcana +1, Athletics +3, Deception +7, History +3, Insight +4, Intimidation +7, Investigation +1, Medicine +2, Nature +2, Perception +7, Performance +10, Persuasion +7, Religion +1, Sleight of Hand +3, Stealth +3, Survival +2

AC 14 HP 52/52

I know a story relevant to almost every situation.
I change my mood or my mind as quickly as I change notes in a song.
Art should reflect the soul; it should come from within and reveal who we really are.
I want to be famous, whatever it takes.
I'm a sucker for a pretty face.

Equipment:

Rapier, Studded Leather, Lute, Horn, Fine Clothes, Potion of Healing, Explorer's Kit, Everburning Torch, Daggers hidden in boots, Belt Pouch with lots of money

Shadow, I have an idea for a magic item and figure I'll just pitch it to you: Studded Leather which can fit anyone and manifest appropriate clothing when a changeling shifts about.  If you prefer it be a set of clothes instead of Studded Leather, that works also.  The idea isn't listed anywhere, but it'd be perfect for a Changeling while still not worth more than Uncommon as an item.

Spells:

Cantrips: Eldritch Blast, Mage Hand, Minor Illusion, Prestidigitation
L1: Charm Person, Healing Word, Heroism, Sleep
L2: Locate Object, Silence, Zone of Truth
L3: Dispel Magic, Major Image, Mass Healing Word
L4: Dimension Door



Inspiration!

[Miroque]

im seriously thinking of applying.. Nordic (finnish) gal myself.. Kalevala inspired elven witch woman of some type.... druid/wizard/bard... maybe even cleric..

[Zaer Darkwail]

im seriously thinking of applying.. Nordic (finnish) gal myself.. Kalevala inspired elven witch woman of some type.... druid/wizard/bard... maybe even cleric..

A female elven nordic bard would be pretty nice concept, fits for Väinämöinen styled hero :). Could come from same country as my char was born into.

[Miroque]

How are the Uncommon magic item made? I was thinking of some sort of Staff (wand, rod, what not.. ) fitting for an Ice (Storm) sorcerer. Dont really care what it does, aslong as its Cool! (see waht I did there...)

[Miroque]

Name: Fridda Elsingarsdotter
Race: Drow Elf
Class: Sorcerer (Storm) 7
Gender: Female
Age: 102
Backstory:

Saga of Fridda

Fridda was born at the Night when the Sun died, just before Sun rebirthed. Middle of winter, her skin was jet black, like nothing her tribe had seen before. Sunlight hurted her eyes, but her affinity to magic was felt by all, as winds howled around her, rains turned to snow and snow into hale.

Not long after, Louhi, Witch-queen of the North heard about this girl child and send her two daughters to claim her. They arrived by the flying ice charriots and toke her away. No words were exchanged with her parrents, as everyone knew better, than to prevent Louhis envoys.

Fridda's childhood was glorious. She never knew want as she lived in the frozen halls of her Queen-mother, among her Sister-witches, who were, like her, indoctrinated to worship and love their mother. There was nothing she wanted more.

When the rumors of wars were hear'd in the Northern realms, Louhi joined forces with other Kings and Queens of the North, to rid the world from the pestilence that caused the war. Those lesser beings were to be extinct. Years grew as the war kept going, fueled by dark magics of humans and their seemingly never ending tides fo fresh bodies. Elves, beign pure and magical, were employed as specialists to help during the war.

Now, as the stars have divined, there was something extraordinary going to happen in the gated town of Brightvale, Louhi send her youngest daughter to investigate. This is to be her blooding ritual.

[Zaer Darkwail]

So far as I know no PC's craft or make magic items (no feats nor means). Only way to get magic items is through as loot (not even shops sell them expect potions or such). A gp guideline is given for magic item costs but it's clearly a guideline if any adventurer is crazy enough sell any magic items.

[Miroque]

I go that Zaer, but as our characters should have some magic item at the start.. I was thinking how/where should we choose one from? (or, like me, im Okay for it being handed to me... as that way, its not "optimal")

PS: added the start of Friddas saga on the charaster application.

[Zaer Darkwail]

In DMG there is list of items which you can pick, Shadow has allowed us to have single uncommon item. +1 weapon or armor is okay while anything more exotic may need approval from him first (my char uncommon item is elven cloak, elven boots are also uncommon but give different benefits). So if want magical staff it's possible I think (albeit very low magic one as more powerfull staffs are not uncommon). Or convert one wand into a staff.

[Miroque]

K, thanks Zaer. I think I'l ask for an wand transformed into an Staff ( or some lesser staff) Anything woudl actually fit to her background, as its given her by the witch-queen, for her mission...

[Chulanowa]

Well, I like my short stacks, and I like my druids. Didn't care much for aztec halflings though. Luckily there's a compromise!

Name: Juniper
Race: Forest Gnome
Class: Druid (Land)
Background: Folk Hero
Alignment: Neutral
Gender: Female

STR: 8 (-1)
DEX: 16 (+3)
CON: 14 (+2)
INT: 10 (+0) (Save: +3)
WIS: 16 (+3) (Save: +6)
   Animal Handling +6
   Insight +6
   Survival +6
CHA: 12 (+1)
   Persuasion +4

Proficiency Bonus: +3
Passive perception: 12
Armor Class: 18 (12 + Dex + shield + Cloak of Protection)
Hit Points: 52
Speed: 25' walk

Character History

   Juniper's family has always dwelled in the forest, and their ancestors before them all the way back to when - so the stories say - the gods of wind and sun first carved gnomes from the wood of that very forest. Though these diminutive people always held to their own ways, they didn't live in the past - contact with the alfar of the north and the shifting peoples of the west taught them of steel, and the humans of the south brought trade and a larger world. By the time Juniper showed up, her family had been in the truffle business for generations, selling the delicacies wherever they could be reached.

   Juniper herself was a typical child, at least by gnome standards. Forever barefoot and muddy, always playing tricks on her older sister and her friends. She brought home small injured animals often enough to be noted, but that was about it... except for her fascination with the so-called Whispering Woods. A strange pocket of maples within the elm-forested hills, the Whispering Wood was usually avoided even by the gnomes, who said other, more powerful beings called it theirs. As it happened, the annual truffle-hunt took Juniper and her family to the edge of this supposed haunt, and while the pigs rooted, she would just... watch, and listen.

   It was one trip like this where she disappeared. everyone knew she had wandered into the Whispering Wood, and broke taboo to search for her... but no trace was found. Not of juniper, nor of any harm that might have befallen her. For two weeks her family maintained their vigilance, setting woodland creatures after her even, to no avail. Mournfully, her family accepted that the odd spirits of the forest had take their daughter.

   And they were right, to a degree. As the moon had crept low one night, Juniper woke to the strains of music, rather than the whispering rustle of the broad-leafed maples. As if bewitched, the followed the noise... into the arms of a fae. Juniper cannot remember exactly if the creature was a dryad or pixie, male or female, or something of all of those, but she remembers that she learned... plenty.

   She spent ten years learning it, though for her it was but a few nights of passion and wisdom. With her hair in tangles and her cheeks burning, she hurried her way back towards where she knew her village lay... only to find what had happened. The celebration of her return was cut short though, by the arrival of the Wood Wardens; the sacred shamans and priests of the community, usually separate from greater gnome society except for matters of import. This education lasted five years. Juniper turning her fae blessings into a deep connection with the land, attunement with its creatures and cycles and events. She learned the magic of the lands of farms and hills, the proper forms of worship and mysteries of nature, and how to fight for the cause of the world itself, without falling prey to the petty squabbles of gods.

   Now she is free of her apprenticeship, to find her place in the world. Now fully a woman, she's intrigued by lands and peoples outside the protected, wooded enclaves of her own kind, and has come to Brightvale as a first stop on what she hopes is a long journey of learning.

Proficiencies and Languages

• Light armor, medium armor, and shields (no metal)
• Clubs, daggers, darts, javelins, maces, quarterstaves,
scimitars, sickles, slings, spears
• Herbalism Kit
• Artisan's Tools
• Land vehicles

Languages: Common, Gnomish, Druidic, small critters

Features

Race
   • +2 Intelligence, +1 dexterity
   • Small size, 25' walking speed
   • Darkvision 60'
   • Minor illusion cantrip (Int to cast)
   • Speak with small beasts
Class
   • Druidic
   • Spellcasting & cantrips (3)
   • Wild Shape
   • Druid Circle (Land)
    - Bonus Cantrip
    - Naural Recovery
    - Circle Spells (Grassland)
    - Land Stride
   • Wild Shape Improvement
   • Ability Score improvement (+1 Dex, +1 Wis)
Background
   • Rustic Hospitality

Traits

Personality
• I judge people by their actions, not their words
• I have a strong sense of fair play and always find the most equitable solution to arguments

Ideals
• People deserve to be treated with dignity and respect.

Bond
• I worked the land, I love the land, and I will protect the land

Flaw
• Secretly, I believe it would be better if I were a tyrant lording over the land

Typical Spells

Cantrips: Druidcraft, Guidance, Minor Illusion, Shillelagh, Thorn Whip

1^st: Entangle, Faerie Fire, Cure Wounds, Charm Person
2^nd: Heat metal, Lesser restoration
3^rd: Conjure Animals, Dispel magic
4^th: Conjure Woodland Beings, stoneshape

Circle Spells:
   3^rd: Invisibility, Pass Without Trace
   5^th: Daylight, Haste
   7^th: Divination, Freedom of Movement

Equipment

Weapons   • Quarterstaff (Attack +2, Damage 1d6/8-1)
   • Dagger (Range 20/60, Attack +5, Damage 1d4+2)
   • Sling (Range 30/120, Attack +5, Damage 1d4+2)
Armor:
   • Studded Leather armor
Mundane Equipment:
   • Druidic Focus
   • Explorer's Pack
   • Shovel
   • Iron Pot
   • Leatherworker's Tools
   • herbalism Kit
   • Potion of Healing x2
   • Robes
magical Item:
   • Cloak of Protection

[hellrazoromega]

I always assumed the culture was more the attitude than the aesthetic. Though of course stealing some of the Aesthetic is fun.

Dwarven Greek - Powerful City States. Each Dwarven Hold has their own thing they excel at, be it invention, trading or military rule. Deeply religious.
Nordic Elves - Warrior Culture. Dying in battle is the only true death. Gods match nature and the world around them. Very aggressive raiding culture.
Celtic Shifters/werecreatures - Tribal culture, who consult with their tribal chiefs/kings in time of crisis. Three Tier Society with Warrior Aristocrats > Poets and Bards > Everyone Else
Aztec Halflings - Mandatory Education. Similar to Roman, except they have an Emperor unlike the Romans disdain for Emperors.
Egyptian Orcs- Leaders are seen as literal walking gods. Reluctant to leave their lands unless provoked.
Roman Human - Nobles are Military Leaders and Diplomats (Often a problem for them). Highly regimented culture. Very aggressively expansionist. Democracy for the Noble Class, with a fear of anyone getting enough power to become a king.

But I could be wrong!

Well alot of that would depend on the "when," such things were taken. Romans disdained Emperors, except when they didn't
, and which Egypt, the Old Kingdom ? Third Intermediate? Ptolemaic Period?  Depending the times the Aesthetic can change greatly, but I gather this is just about the romanticized versions of each culture. So the history teacher in me will just shut up now  :P

That said are things still open? Normally I'm not into halflings but a cleric of Tlazolteotl sounds like more fun than I'd know what to do with. If so I can work her up tomorrow.

[Chulanowa]

Aaaand I think that'll do for Juniper.

[Miroque]

Do we have some "starting date" ?

[Zaer Darkwail]

I think Shadow needs pick players he want for the game, but if there is no more than us then we could form party already what we got.

[Miroque]

@Zaer: Thanks, but I was thinking or on the lines: "When is the starting date? > When can we wait for the final cut > to see if we got in > start causing havoc..."

[ShadowFox89]

Do we have some "starting date" ?

After the holidays, it's a bit crazy right now.

[arkhos]

Shadow, are you still accepting male character apps, by chance?

-ark

[ShadowFox89]

Right, so, apologies for no updates in this for almost a month. Had a fair bit of family drama, but most of that is behind me now.

So! I was going to do this big, impressive, overcomplicated setting.... but ended up running out of steam with it. If anyone is still interested in this, I'm going to switch to the much more generic "Only Fantasy Map You'll Ever Need" and run descriptions of nations as we need them. For reference http://eotbeholder.deviantart.com/art/The-Only-Fantasy-World-Map-245738593

[AndyZ]

I'm still around.

[Chulanowa]

You don't know how much I love that map.

[Zaer Darkwail]

Hehe, awesome map :). Anycase still up for this.

[Miroque]

still here.

[ShadowFox89]

Looks like a good deal of interest still. I'm going to aim for a 2:4 male:female ratio for a party of 6.

[Premier]

Still alive I am.

[Inerrant Lust]

Kit Gracelove
Level 7 Half-elf Rogue (Arcane Trickster)
Str 8, Dex 17, Con 12, Int 16, Wis 9, Cha 16
Languages: Common, Elvish, Draconic
Skills: Arcana, History, Investigation, Perception, Sleight of Hand, Stealth
Expertise: Investigation, Perception, Arcana, Thieves Tools
Sneak Attack: 4d6
Special Abilities: Thieves' Cant, Cunning Action, Uncanny Dodge, Evasion, Spellcasting, Mage Hand Legerdemain

In far away lands, there exists a tower in a bustling magic city inhabited by a lonely wizard surrounded by all his ancient tomes and artifacts... as well as his assistant. Kit Gracelove works for this wizard, discretely seeking out more ancient works for her master to digest. Her most recent task has been to travel to Brightvale, chasing the lead of a mysterious and formidable artifact.

Kit's bespectacled and bookish by rogues' standards, an erudite by way of her apprenticeship to her master. Still, she is worldly enough to be entrusted with the task of seeking out these ancient artifacts and bringing them back. In that regard, she has proven quite resourceful.

She's somewhat scatter-brained and forgetful, but hardly ditzy. She tends to get carried about with her own fascinations and interests, spending more time investigating places or solving puzzles just because it interests her. While this has at times helped her master in his arcane studies, often times she comes back enriched with knowledge that is old news to him.

Kit has a natural charm and has used it on occasion, but is somewhat naive and socially clueless, owing to her long time spent in dungeons or the company of her equally reclusive master. She prefers books to people, dungeons to cities, and silence to noise. She is used to working alone, and has a bit of a fear of commitment. Kit's worked with others before, but always her journey takes her elsewhere before she can ever grow too attached.

Other possible images...
http://gelbooru.com//images/02/7d/027d3b1888fb62a89b7f69bfd2f05d39.jpg?2854216
http://gelbooru.com/index.php?page=post&s=view&id=2140262

[ShadowFox89]

 Alright, if there's any questions I missed, please poke me with them in thread.

[Miroque]

POKEs GM! : When do we start, and with what line up?

[AndyZ]

If it would help, I could say that Arx is a female by default and just often takes male forms.

[ShadowFox89]

 You're fine Andy, no worries on Arx.

I'll be looking over things tomorrow, college today, will let everyone know what's up then.

[Guancyto]

Okay, awful last-minute application goooooo

Name: Evelune
Race: Half-Elf
Class: Warlock 7 (The Fiend, Pact of the Tome)
Background: Urchin
Gender: Female
Age: 16
Background: Evelune's story is the sort you hear all over. Poor little halfie-no-parents, the children sing, a little guttersnipe without any future except as a thief or a prostitute. Well she showed those fuckers. Selling her soul in exchange for overwhelming firepower was probably a bad idea, long-term, but that paled in comparison to all the shinies raked in and all the revenge gotten (and there's seriously a lot of revenge gotten). It made her leader of one of the urchin-gangs, feared and respected by all or at least all those under four feet tall, at least until they kicked her out when she got too old and too tall. That's all right! She's gonna make her own way, and that way's going to be strewn with gold, wine, heartbroken boys and girls, and the charred corpses of her many enemies.

You know. Hopefully. Fingers crossed and hope to not die because dying means going to Hell. That's probably going to be a problem someday.

[ShadowFox89]

 Alright, so, characters!

Mabil Teague, Shifter Barbarian, played by Premier https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=241251.msg11912843#msg11912843
Aryx, Changeling Bard, played by AndyZ https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=241251.msg11919673#msg11919673
Fridda Elsingarsdotter, Drow Sorceress, played by Miroque https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=241251.msg11921412#msg11921412
Kit Gracelove, Half-Elf Rogue, played by Inerrant_Lust https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=241251.msg12036241#msg12036241
Evelune/Lina Inverse, Half-Elf Warlock, played by Guancyto https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=241251.msg12048447#msg12048447

[Miroque]

Congratulations to all who got in !

See you in the game.. rest of you, see you in another games.

[Miroque]

few questions:

Guancyto: Mabli, being barbarian AND sailor, wearing half-plate?? (not profient on heavy armors, and platearmors being the worst of the worst on ships... )

GM: About that starting magic item? (Still no idea what it might be, so please, drop Fridda with one of your choosing.)

[Premier]

Half-plates not heavy it's medium. Chest, Gauntlets and boots with leather in between.

She's a Barbarian in the sense that she rages out and has tribal ties. A lot of barbarian cultures are sailors, the Vikings and Celts especially and they both wore fairly heavy armour.

[Miroque]

Oh, they have changed the half-plate to medium armor.. and I ment that barbs are nto profient with hvy armors.. nothing to do with sailorism...
Sailors was ment ont he other part, as ships and heavy gear are nto very compatible..

Vikings were barbarian culture, and they did NOT use heavy armors. Except on the lateer age, when steel begin to be commonplace. Swords were scarce here in Scandinavia, cause steel was hard to comeby. Thats why vkikings were using mostly axes and spears, but when they raided softskinned folks.. (brittons, celts, etc) they got free loot of swords :)

[Guancyto]

Guancyto: Mabli, being barbarian AND sailor, wearing half-plate?? (not profient on heavy armors, and platearmors being the worst of the worst on ships... )

??? You're asking me?

Um, well! I would think the thought process would go

1. I'm not on a ship right now
2. People keep trying to hit me
3. Therefore, I should wear heavier stuff if I can get it
4. I punched someone and got it
5. Therefore, score!

I mean, it's not plate armor's fault it's just straight-up better and makes chainmail obsolete (if you have the tech to make it, anyway).

[Zaer Darkwail]

Vikings eguipment for raids was at large chainmails, shield and then either viking sword or axe plus helm optionally. There were also berserkers who eat mushrooms to go nuts and they forsaked shield for big weapon and lacked armor altogether (they mostly went to flank stuff or just go ham in front lines). Key weapon though was intimidation; vikings hammering their shields while chanting frigthened the opposition to point they surrendered or were having no morale to fight them when actual engagement started (thus mention even if no armor was worn they definately used shields).

Spears may also had been used in some combat situations (like calvary) but they may had also thrown them from short range and then rushed to melee with shield and sword/axe combo.

[Guancyto]

Mm. The reason vikings didn't arse about with plate armor is because by the time the technology to make plate armor was developed, the viking age was long over.

For an example of people who did a whole lot of sailing and still messed about with plate armor, see: conquistadors.

[Miroque]

Early dark ages (about the time period when viking raids started to end), there was plate armors widely used bu nobility /mounted knights. Hell, there was bronze plates in ancient egypt.. partial plate armors in ancient greek... Plate armor is not "new" invention.. Fullplate is relatively new.


And about Conquistadors, even their sailors never used heavy and restraining outfits.. hard to climb to masts... One of the reasons why english navy made Mariner (occupation). Soldier with sailing skills.. no need for armors, as muskets were piercing them left and right.

[ShadowFox89]

 You're arguing about history in a fantasy game. Just... stop.

[Premier]

And about Conquistadors, even their sailors never used heavy and restraining outfits.. hard to climb to masts... One of the reasons why english navy made Mariner (occupation). Soldier with sailing skills.. no need for armors, as muskets were piercing them left and right.

Generally you don't need to wear your armor while sailing. It's not like there's anything to fight.

Curiass' have been around forever and were a form of Half-Plate (Half-Plate isn't a real thing, it's a made up DnD term) and Roman Naval warfare was mainly based around attaching yourself to other boats and stomping on over in that nice roman Armour and shields to murder them all.

And yeah as the GM said Mabli doesn't fit into history, because in history generally there weren't sea monsters out to kill you and eat all your crew which you needed a weird cat woman with a magical axe to kill for you as you searched for lost treasure.

[Zaer Darkwail]

You're arguing about history in a fantasy game. Just... stop.

Yeah, that's solid point really in regards 'can pirate/viking wear full plate' or not :P. It's fantasy after all (naturally ACP will affect swim like everything else but if got swim ranks you do not worry about it).

[AndyZ]

Was there a starting magic item we were supposed to pick out?  How high is our availability?

[Inerrant Lust]

And there were no Egyptian Orcs living within walking distance of Aztec Halflings, historically..

[ShadowFox89]

Was there a starting magic item we were supposed to pick out?  How high is our availability?

Yes, 1 item of common availability..... or was it uncommon. Away from books right now, will get back to you on that.

[AndyZ]

I imagine Uncommon, since the only Common items are potions.

[Chulanowa]

And there were no Egyptian Orcs living within walking distance of Aztec Halflings, historically..

That you know of



Have fun folks that got in  ;D

[Zaer Darkwail]

Yes, 1 item of common availability..... or was it uncommon. Away from books right now, will get back to you on that.

It was 1 uncommon item what I recall. Mostly a +1 armor, sword or some minor utility item.

[ShadowFox89]

https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=244030.new#new ooc
And
https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=244031.new#new character thread
Are up. Zaer will also be in the game, just wanted to confirm things with him before putting that out there.

When posting in the OOC, cast a vote- wine or blood.